BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug 24 – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is to make a two-day working visit to Brunei starting Sunday in conjunction with the 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Malaysia and Brunei.
Malaysia’s Charge d’Affaires ad interim in Brunei, Nur Ezira Mahadi, said Anwar is scheduled to have an audience with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday and hold a four-eyed meeting with the Brunei monarch at the Nurul Iman Palace here.
She said following the meeting, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Anwar will witness the signing of several bilateral agreements between Malaysia and Brunei, including those concerning the land border.
“As close neighbors and ASEAN partners, both leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern,” she told a press conference.
Nur Ezira added that during the 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Anwar will review the progress of bilateral cooperation and unresolved issues between the two countries.
“Furthermore, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam,” she noted.
Anwar is scheduled to arrive at 10.25 pm and will be accompanied by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz;
Also present will be Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek; Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; deputy ministers and other government officials.
Last year, Brunei was Malaysia’s 30th largest trading partner and the sixth largest among ASEAN countries, with total trade amounting to RM9.31 billion (USD2.04 billion).
